At the start of January I had a vague plan for the early part of the year, which looked exactly like my vague plan for the early part of every year! Namely, to run the spring double of the Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood half marathons. Then, if they went well, my half-baked plan was even considering the Lydd 20 miles in late March and the Kent spring Marathon at Ashford towards the end of April. Pretty ambitious huh ? Then along came reality.
During the second week of January I went down with something which may have been ‘flu, may have been covid (I didn’t take a test), but whatever it was it flattened me for nearly 6 weeks. Lots of coughing, aching, throat and sinus discomfort and extreme lethargy and tiredness which has finally eased about a week ago – late Feb. Without a step of running in that time, needless to say my plan had to change a bit.
The TW 1/2 has been and gone last week – comprehensive wins in both the male and female races – congratulations to Dylan Hobbs of the host club who won the race by a staggering 6 minutes 20 seconds in a time of 68’21”, and even more impressively Lucy Reid of Tonbridge AC who not only won the womens race in a highly respectable 74’41” crossing the line alongside the 2nd placed male, but was some 10 minutes clear of the 2nd placed female.
Unable to take part at Tunbridge Wells, the little dilemma I faced was that I’d already entered the Paddock Wood race, but having only resumed a little gentle jogging a few days ago, should I give it a go or would I have to miss that too ? Most of the few miles I’ve managed to run in the past week have been at around 10 minute per mile pace, so my expectations are extremely low, but I’ve made my decision and will attempt it on Sunday. The race has grown over the years to be one of the biggest and best races in the south east of England, and entries for this year’s event closed weeks ago at a record 3000 runners.
As we say goodbye to winter and the months of cold temperatures and relentless rain, the weather looks set fair for Sunday, the course remains as flat as a pancake, so no excuses. Although I’m anticipating my slowest ever 1/2 marathon by a long way, I’m feeling quite excited just at the thought of being part of it again. If you live nearby and aren’t running, come along and support the 3000. Race starts at 10.00am this Sunday 8th March. See you there !
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